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Avian Influenza Detected at Año Nuevo State Park

A small number of young northern elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park recently tested positive for H5N1, also known as bird flu. This is the first detection of H5N1 in California’s marine mammal population.

The risk of H5N1 to the public remains very low. We’re sharing guidance on how to protect yourself, your pets and marine mammals – and how you can help.

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gray whale barely visible above the water
In the News

Associated Press: Rescuers Search for Young Whale Entangled in Gill Net

April 10, 2024
  • Entanglement

Rescuers search off Northern California coast for young gray whale entangled in gill net

Published in the Associated Press: April 10, 2024

Rescuers were searching Wednesday for a gray whale last spotted off Northern California’s coast with its tail entangled in a massive gill net.

The 30-foot (9-meter) whale was spotted Tuesday near San Francisco swimming north as part of gray whales’ annual migration from Mexico to Alaska. It was dragging the net with two bright red buoys that rescuers attached to it on March 22, when the animal was first spotted off Laguna Beach in Southern California.

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